Written together with Emily J
It’s easy to fall into a routine that can become a rut. When in a rut, you are demotivated and unhappy. It’s difficult to make a fresh start when feeling negative, but you need to find a way to rejuvenate your spirit and regain a lust for life. Here are a few suggestions for how to kick-start your life:
1. Have an experience abroad
A change of scenery is always a boost and by taking a few months out to visit another country you also get the feeling that you have accomplished a major step forward. This isn’t the same as going on a beach holiday. To have an extended stay abroad, you need to consider something like a working holiday for example. Going Down Under is a very popular choice, especially among young people. The process is quite easy: the main step is requesting an Australian Working Holiday Visa for UK citizens, which can be done entirely online on websites like auvisa.org. This is a great opportunity to meet other people and immerse yourself into a new culture.
2. Quit the job that makes you miserable
We spend too much time at work to hate our jobs and ever be happy. If you spend 40 hours a week being miserable you’re not giving yourself much of a chance of happiness. The thought of leaving something comfortable that you’re used to can be scary, especially in times of economic uncertainty, but a new job can do wonders for your self-esteem, confidence and spirit for life. There are lots of ways to find a new job, and why not go for that promotion?
3. Get back into shape
Sometimes, what is holding you back and keeping you in that rut is that you don’t much like yourself, especially your physical appearance. It’s hard to have a happy disposition if you don’t like what you see in the mirror. However, this is something you have control over. You can make yourself like yourself more by changing. Maybe start a new regular exercise regime and eat a healthier diet. Imagine how good it will feel when you look great and feel confident in that new outfit. The mirror will smile back at you.
4. Find a side hustle
Maybe it is that you can’t live the life you feel you deserve that is holding you back. You simply don’t have enough cash to do the things you want to, but you don’t want to get a second job. Consider a side hustle instead. Do you have a good idea for a business? Maybe a favourite hobby has potential for money-making? This would feed your creative need as well as make some extra income.
5. Go back to school
Are you stuck in the job you hate because you never really knew what you wanted to do as a career? It’s never too late to go back to school to gain a qualification that will enable you to switch careers. You will feel more accomplished and happier when you can pursue something you are passionate about.
These are just a few ways you can motivate yourself to make major changes in your life. Before you dive in however, it is worth taking a little time for some self-reflection. If you can first figure out the cause of your discontentment, it will give you clues as to which direction you need to go to make change.